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Prevention of Dengue Infection Dengue, a viral disease transmitted primarily by the ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquito, is a growing global health concern. The key to preventing dengue infection lies in avoiding mosquito bites, as there is currently no guaranteed cure for the disease. Here’s a comprehensive guide to effective prevention methods.   Avoiding Mosquito Bites The most reliable way to prevent dengue infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus. However, given that dengue is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions—many of which are popular travel and work destinations—completely avoiding such areas is impractical for most people. Instead, the focus should be on personal protection and minimizing mosquito exposure. 1. Use Mosquito Repellents:   One of the most effective methods of personal protection is the use of mosquito repellents that contain ‘N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide’ (DEET). DEET-based repellents provide long-lasting protect...

Dengue infection, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus, is a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. The disease ranges from mild, self-limiting dengue fever to severe manifestations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), both of which can be life-threatening. Since no specific antiviral treatment for dengue is currently available, the management of dengue focuses primarily on supportive care, close monitoring of symptoms, and prevention of complications.   Approach to Dengue Management Dengue fever is typically a self-limited illness, meaning that it resolves on its own without the need for extensive medical interventions. Supportive care remains the cornerstone of treatment. The primary goals in managing dengue infection are to relieve symptoms, prevent dehydration, detect and manage complications early. Although research is ongoing to develop antiviral drugs that target the dengue virus,...

Diagnosing dengue fever can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms, which can mimic other viral or bacterial infections. Therefore, laboratory confirmation is crucial in confirming a diagnosis of dengue. The diagnostic approach includes the following methods: 1. Serological Tests:  A fourfold or greater increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in paired serum samples suggests dengue infection. This can be demonstrated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) such as: MAC-ELISA (for IgM) NS1-ELISA (for nonstructural protein 1) IgG ELISA    2. Molecular Testing (RT-PCR):  Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to detect the dengue virus's genetic material in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or autopsy tissue. It is particularly useful in the early stages of infection and provides a rapid, serotype-specific diagnosis. Unlike serological tests, RT-PCR is not affected by cross-reactivi...

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the bite of infected ‘Aedes’ mosquitoes, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Individuals, especially those who have previously contracted dengue fever, must understand the importance of preventive strategies and the heightened risk of subsequent infections. A second exposure to a different strain of the virus increases the likelihood of developing more severe conditions, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Patient Education: Preventing Mosquito Bites and Dengue Fever One of the most effective ways to prevent dengue fever is by avoiding mosquito bites. This is particularly important for individuals who have previously experienced dengue fever, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe complications if they contract a different strain of the virus. Key preventive measures include: Using Mosquito Repellents: Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon e...

Prognosis of Dengue infection Dengue fever is generally a self-limiting illness, meaning it resolves on its own in most cases. The prognosis for patients with dengue fever is favorable, with a mortality rate of less than 1%. Most individuals recover fully and develop long-lasting immunity to the specific serotype of the virus that caused the infection. However, the prognosis becomes more complex when dengue progresses to its severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS).   Mortality Rates and Severity The mortality rate for dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) varies significantly depending on whether the condition is treated. When appropriate medical care is provided, the mortality rate for DHF is between 2% and 5%. In contrast, untreated DHF can have a mortality rate as high as 50%, emphasizing the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Severe dengue cases can be life-threatening, but survivors usually recover without long-ter...

भारत में तंबाकू और सुपारी से जुड़े वैश्विक मुंह के कैंसर के मामलों की संख्या सबसे अधिक : Lancet study   हाल ही में किए गए एक " लैंसेट अध्ययन " ने दक्षिण एशिया , विशेष रूप से भारत में , बिना धुएं वाले तंबाकू और सुपारी ( जिसे पान सुपारी के नाम से भी जाना जाता है ) के सेवन से जुड़े बढ़ते स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों पर चिंता व्यक्त की है। सुपारी उद्योग द्वारा पान मसाला को माउथ फ्रेशनर के रूप में प्रचारित करने के लिए बॉलीवुड सितारों को शामिल करने के बावजूद , इस अध्ययन में खुलासा हुआ है कि भारत दुनिया में तंबाकू और सुपारी के उपयोग से होने वाले मुंह के कैंसर के मामलों में सबसे आगे है।   2022 में , " इंटरनेशनल एजेंसी फॉर रिसर्च ऑन कैंसर ( IARC)" की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार , भारत में " 120,200 वैश्विक मामलों " में से " 83,400" मामले बिना धुएं वाले तंबाकू और सुपारी के उपयोग से जुड़े थे। अध्ययन ने इस बात पर प्रकाश डाला कि सुपारी...